If you’re looking for a dark romantic comedy thriller that plays with the fantasy of dropping everything and running away with an old flame, “Run” offers a unique and often unpredictable journey. Created by Vicky Jones (a frequent collaborator with Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who also executive produces and has a cameo), this HBO series explores the impulsive decision of two ex-lovers to abandon their lives for an adventure across America.
What is “Run” about?
“Run” centers on Ruby Richardson, a woman living a seemingly mundane suburban life with a husband and children. One day, she receives a single text message: “RUN.” This isn’t just any text; it’s a code word from her college boyfriend, Billy Johnson. Seventeen years prior, Ruby and Billy made a pact: if either of them texted “RUN” and the other replied with the same word, they would drop everything, meet at Grand Central Terminal, and embark on a cross-country train trip together.
The series kicks off with Ruby, in a moment of existential crisis, actually replying “RUN.” She abandons her ordinary life, flies to New York, and reunites with Billy, now a successful but dissatisfied life guru. The show primarily unfolds aboard an Amtrak train as they travel across the United States.
What begins as a seemingly romantic and liberating escape quickly devolves into a chaotic and increasingly dangerous situation. As Ruby and Billy try to rekindle their old flame and confront the past, they also navigate the awkwardness of being strangers after so long and the secrets they’ve both been keeping. Their journey is complicated by the appearance of Billy’s ruthless former personal assistant, who is tracking him, leading to escalating stakes that push the series from a romantic comedy into thriller territory, complete with unexpected twists, dark humor, and a growing web of deception and crime.
Why “Run” is a compelling watch:
- Unique Premise: The central “run away” pact is a highly relatable fantasy, and the show explores its consequences with a blend of humor, romance, and suspense.
- Strong Chemistry: The dynamic between the two leads is palpable, capturing the awkwardness, sexual tension, and complicated history of reunited lovers.
- Genre-Bending: It seamlessly shifts between dark comedy, romance, and thriller elements, keeping the audience on their toes.
- Fast-Paced and Engaging: The show has a propulsive energy, often set in confined spaces like the train, which creates a sense of tension and momentum.
- Unpredictable Plot: Just when you think you know where the story is going, the series throws in unexpected turns and raises the stakes significantly.
Where to Watch “Run”:
“Run” is an HBO Original limited series. All seven episodes are available to stream on:
- Max (HBO’s streaming service)
You can also purchase individual episodes or the full season on digital platforms such as:
- Amazon Prime Video
- Apple TV
- Google Play Movies & TV
- Fandango At Home (Vudu)
If you enjoyed “Run,” you might also like:
- Fleabag (Prime Video): For sharp, dark, and unconventional comedy-drama created by and starring Phoebe Waller-Bridge (who also executive produced “Run”).
- Killing Eve (Hulu/AMC+): Another series from Vicky Jones (and Phoebe Waller-Bridge in early seasons), known for its darkly comedic tone, high stakes, and complex cat-and-mouse dynamic.
- The Flight Attendant (Max): For a comedic thriller about a woman whose life spirals into a mystery after she wakes up next to a dead body, featuring similar tones of dark humor and suspense.
- Before Sunrise/Sunset/Midnight (Films, Max/Hulu/Showtime): For a more purely romantic and dialogue-driven exploration of two people reuniting and discussing life and love after years apart.
- Search Party (Max): A dark comedy mystery series about a group of self-absorbed millennials who get caught up in a strange disappearance, featuring a similar blend of humor and increasingly dangerous situations.